Sri Lanka recall Chandimal, Thirimanne after Tharanga ban

Sri Lanka have called up Test captain Dinesh Chandimal and top-order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne to the ODI squad after skipper Upul Tharanga received a two-match ban from the ICC for a slow over rate offence during the second match of the ongoing series against India on Thursday (August 24) at Pallekele.

Sri Lanka were found three overs short by Match Referee Andy Pycroft after India completed a sensational come-from-behind win after being 131 for 7 in the chase of 231. Tharanga has previously served a similar two-match suspension during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after Sri Lanka were found guilty of slow over rate during their tournament opener against South Africa.

Cricbuzz understands Sri Lanka also will miss the services of opener Danushka Gunathilaka after he hurt his shoulder while fielding. He is unlikely to be available for the next two games. Thirimanne is expected to open batting while Chandimal will take up the No. 4 position.

Sri Lanka's selectors, who met in Kandy to name the interim captain in the absence of Tharanga, appointed middle order batsman Chamara Kapugedera in that role for the third and fourth ODI.